Showing posts with label brunch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label brunch. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

LGBTQ Brunch this Saturday, Oct 5

via Max Morrongiello:
"Come join our LGBTQ Brunch this Saturday!
The Franklin LGBTQ Alliance and the Boston Non-scene Friends are hosting a brunch to enjoy each other's company. Please come join us!

We'll be meeting on the first Saturday of January, April, July, and October, at Mak's Roast Beef in Franklin. Meet us there at 10:00 AM, and come hungry!"


LGBTQ Brunch this Saturday, Oct 5
LGBTQ Brunch this Saturday, Oct 5 



Saturday, February 24, 2024

Sunday brunch returns to Teddy Gallagher's Pub - Feb 25

Back by popular demand 
Come by this Sunday for brunch 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM and enjoy live music from Dallas Corbin

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C3qhmyVRlRr/

Sunday brunch returns to Teddy Gallagher's Pub - Feb 25
Sunday brunch returns to Teddy Gallagher's Pub - Feb 25


Friday, January 5, 2024

LGBTQ Brunch with Friends - Jan 6 at 10:00 AM

The Franklin LGBTQ+ Alliance and the "Non-Scene" Friends LGBTQ Meetup are hosting a brunch to enjoy each other's company. Please come join us!
We'll be meeting on the first Saturday of January, April, July, and October, at Mak's Roast Beef in Franklin. Meet us there at 10:00 AM, and come hungry!

LGBTQ Brunch with Friends - Jan 6 at 10:00 AM
LGBTQ Brunch with Friends - Jan 6 at 10:00 AM

Wednesday, January 3, 2024

The Rotary Club of Franklin MA is planning their 5th Annual Valentine’s Brunch, slated for February 10, 2024

The Rotary Club of Franklin MA is proud to announce that their 5th Annual Valentine’s Brunch is slated for February 10, 2024, from 10-:30 AM to 12:00 PM, at the Franklin Housing Authority Hall, located at 1000 Central Park Terrace, Franklin, MA 02038.

All Franklin Senior’s and residents of Franklin Housing Authority are welcome to join the Rotary Club as their special guests, where all will be treated to a delicious, homemade Valentine’s brunch. Feel free to show your love and wear your red!

Seniors are urged to enter their names on a sign-up so that no one is left out. Sign-up sheets may found at the following locations: 

Central Park Terrace, 1000 Central Park Terrace, Franklin, MA
Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, Franklin, MA

The Rotary Club International is a non-profit organization made up of a diverse group of men and women “who come together to create positive, lasting change in our communities and around the world.” https://www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary

If you would like more information about our organization or interested in attending a meeting, please contact Diane Padula at padularotary@gmail.com, and she will make arrangements for you to be a guest at one of Rotary’s upcoming meetings. Rotary members meet the first and third Tuesday’s of each month, 5:30pm – 7:30pm at The Rome Restaurant, 4 East Central Street (Rte. 140), Franklin, MA. 

The Rotary Club of Franklin MA is planning their 5th Annual Valentine’s Brunch, slated for February 10, 2024
The Rotary Club of Franklin MA is planning their 5th Annual Valentine’s Brunch, slated for February 10, 2024

Saturday, October 22, 2022

Franklin United Methodist Church schedules brunch for Sunday, October 30

"Let's do brunch! Join us for worship in the vestry/fellowship hall where we will sing, pray, reflect, and enjoy brunch together! All are welcome!
You are invited to bring a dish to share. Table service, coffee, water, and juice will be provided. Join us as we commune with God and one another around the table!"
When:  SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2022 AT 10 AM
Shared from Facebook -> https://fb.me/e/1WnxfwkH7

Franklin United Methodist Church schedules brunch for Sunday, October 30
Franklin United Methodist Church schedules brunch for Sunday, October 30

Thursday, March 24, 2022

Kenny Hadley Big Band Brunch scheduled for Sunday, Mar 27 at THE BLACK BOX

BLACK BOX Jazz presents The Kenny Hadley Big Band

The critically acclaimed 16-piece ensemble, led by drummer Kenny Hadley, boasts masterful musicians with performance ties to Big Band legends Woody Herman, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich, and more. The Kenny Hadley Big Band has shared the stage with such notables as The Count Basie Orchestra and The Duke Ellington Orchestra and has hosted guest soloists including Clark Terry and Louie Bellson.

Brunch begins at 11:45 am, with music beginning at noon. 

Brunch includes assorted Mini Quiche, Bacon, Waffles, Fresh Fruit, Yogurt & Granola, Bagels, Muffins, OJ, and Coffee.

In addition, there is a cash bar with Mimosas and Bloody Marys available. 

Tickets available online ->  https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1552&month=03&year=2022

Kenny Hadley Big Band Brunch scheduled for Sunday, Mar 27 at THE BLACK BOX
Kenny Hadley Big Band Brunch scheduled for Sunday, Mar 27 at THE BLACK BOX

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Kenny Hadley Big Band Brunch - March 1

BLACK BOX Jazz will present The Kenny Hadley Big Band Brunch on Sunday, March 1 at noon. The critically acclaimed 16-piece ensemble, led by drummer Kenny Hadley, boasts masterful musicians with performance ties to Big Band legends Woody Herman, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich, and more. The Kenny Hadley Big Band has shared the stage with such notables as The Count Basie Orchestra and The Duke Ellington Orchestra and has hosted guest soloists including Clark Terry and Louie Bellson.

Brunch begins at 11:45 AM, with music beginning at noon. Brunch by Franklin’s Intermission Cafe includes assorted mini quiche, bacon, waffles, fresh fruit, yogurt and granola, bagels, muffins, OJ, and coffee. In addition, there is a cash bar with mimosas and Bloody Marys available.

For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370. THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central St. in Franklin, MA.

Kenny Hadley Big Band to return to THE BLACK BOX - Mar 1
Kenny Hadley Big Band to return to THE BLACK BOX - Mar 1

Thursday, February 13, 2020

Kenny Hadley Big Band to return to THE BLACK BOX - Mar 1

BLACK BOX Jazz will present The Kenny Hadley Big Band Brunch on Sunday, March 1 at noon. The critically acclaimed 16-piece ensemble, led by drummer Kenny Hadley, boasts masterful musicians with performance ties to Big Band legends Woody Herman, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich, and more. The Kenny Hadley Big Band has shared the stage with such notables as The Count Basie Orchestra and The Duke Ellington Orchestra and has hosted guest soloists including Clark Terry and Louie Bellson.

Brunch begins at 11:45 AM, with music beginning at noon. Brunch by Franklin’s Intermission Cafe includes assorted mini quiche, bacon, waffles, fresh fruit, yogurt and granola, bagels, muffins, OJ, and coffee. In addition, there is a cash bar with mimosas and Bloody Marys available.

For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370. THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central St. in Franklin, MA.

Kenny Hadley Big Band to return to THE BLACK BOX - Mar 1
Kenny Hadley Big Band to return to THE BLACK BOX - Mar 1

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

BLACK BOX Jazz presents Big Band Brunch - Nov 10

BLACK BOX Jazz presents a Big Band Brunch with The Kenny Hadley Big Band on Sunday, November 10 at 12 PM. The critically acclaimed 16-piece ensemble, led by drummer Kenny Hadley, boasts masterful musicians with performance ties to Big Band legends Woody Herman, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich, and more. The Kenny Hadley Big Band has shared the stage with such notables as The Count Basie Orchestra and The Duke Ellington Orchestra and has hosted guest soloists including Clark Terry and Louie Bellson.

Brunch begins at 11:45 AM, with music beginning at noon. Brunch includes assorted Mini Quiche, Bacon, Waffles, Fresh Fruit, Yogurt & Granola, Bagels, Muffins, OJ, and Coffee. In addition, there is a cash bar with Mimosas and Bloody Marys available.

Visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline or call the box office at 508-528-3370 for tickets and more information. 

BLACK BOX Jazz presents Big Band Brunch - Nov 10
BLACK BOX Jazz presents Big Band Brunch - Nov 10

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Reminder - THE BLACK BOX: Big Band Brunch - March 3

The critically acclaimed Kenny Hadley Big Band returns to THE BLACK BOX for a Big Band Brunch on Sunday, March 3. The Kenny Hadley Big Band has shared the stage with such notables as the Count Basie Orchestra and the Duke Ellington Orchestra and has hosted guest soloists including Clark Terry and Louie Bellson. 

Brunch begins at 11:45 a.m., with music beginning at noon. Brunch provided by Intermission Cafe includes assorted Mini Quiche, Bacon, Waffles, Fresh Fruit, Yogurt & Granola, Bagels, Muffins, OJ and Coffee. In addition, there is a cash bar with Mimosas and Bloody Marys available.

Get your tickets online
https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1236


THE BLACK BOX: Big Band Brunch - Mar 3
THE BLACK BOX: Big Band Brunch - March 3

Thursday, January 10, 2019

2nd Annual Valentine's Brunch - Feb 9

Valentine's Brunch

The Franklin Rotary Club is presenting its 2nd Annual Valentine's Brunch from 10:30 til 12 Noon on February 9 at the Franklin Housing Authority's Community Center at Central Park Terrace. 

The meal is free for all FHA residents and Franklin senior citizens. Several frittatas will be featured. 

Advance sign up is required at either the Community Center or at the Franklin Senior Center so that we can ensure enough food! 

This brunch was a big success last year.

The Rotary Club of Franklin
The Rotary Club of Franklin

Friday, January 4, 2019

Jazz Brunch: The Mark White Octet - Jan 13

The Mark White Octet returns to THE BLACK BOX on Sunday, January 13 for a jazz brunch! 

The Mark White Octet is a jazz group dedicated to swinging, precision ensemble performances of charts written by stellar jazz arrangers that feature the exceptional instrumental/improvisational skills of all the members. 
Mark White Octet
Mark White Octet

The group is based on the original Dave Pell Octet that featured many of the West Coast’s finest jazz instrumentalists from the 50’s and 60’s. Featuring a West Coast Swing with an East Coast Vibe, the band includes Mark White (guitar), Scott Deogburn (piano), Arnie Krakowsky (tenor sax), Ken Reid (baritone sax), Rick Hammett (trumpet, flugelhorn), Jon Garniss (trombone), Mark Poniatowski (bass), and Kenny Hadley (drums). 

Each is a dedicated jazz artist bringing superlative instrumental, interpretive, and ensemble skills to the group as well as a wealth of performance experience in the theatre, classical, and commercial music genres. 

All octet members are professional jazz educators and several hold positions currently at leading institutions. Brunch begins at 11:45 a.m., with music beginning at noon.

For tickets
https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1217

Monday, December 17, 2018

January 2019 at THE BLACK BOX features Electric Youth, Mark White Octet and "You Can’t Take It With You"

THE BLACK BOX will present a month full of concerts, plays, and more this January. Kicking off a new year of entertainment for the local venue on Saturday, January 5 is Electric Youth with their 2019 debut. With two shows at 6:30 and 8:30 pm, Electric Youth delivers high-energy, fully choreographed performances of classic rock, contemporary pop, Broadway, and country hits for audiences of all ages. The American touring ensemble of talented singer-dancers, ages 14-18, is backed by the eight-piece Boston Show Band — world class musicians who’ve worked with music legends Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, B.B. King, Diana Ross, The Temptations, Van Morrison and more. 
Electric Youth
Electric Youth

Electric Youth is trained at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. The group has toured Europe 15 times, performing in such renowned venues as Vienna’s Konzerthaus, Musikverein and Schonbrunn Palace; Sanremo’s Ariston Theatre; England’s Arundel Festival; Disneyland Paris; and professional theatres in Bristol, London and Windsor. EY has also headlined Fourth of July shows for U.S. troops stationed in Italy at Camp Ederle, Camp Darby, and Aviano Air Force Base. The ensemble has performed on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, on Fox-TV and WBZ Radio, and at Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, the Smithsonian Museum Theater, the United Nations and the U.S. Embassy in Vienna. Electric Youth has released six albums, including 2014’s Power Chord, available on iTunes. This summer, they will tour France, Italy, the U.K., and Switzerland.

The Mark White Octet returns to THE BLACK BOX on Sunday, January 13 at noon for a jazz brunch. The Mark White Octet is a jazz group dedicated to swinging, precision ensemble performances of charts written by stellar jazz arrangers that feature the exceptional instrumental/improvisational skills of all the members. The group is based on the original Dave Pell Octet that featured many of the West Coast’s finest jazz instrumentalists from the 50’s and 60’s. 
Mark White Octet
Mark White

Featuring a West Coast Swing with an East Coast Vibe, the band includes Mark White (guitar), Scott Deogburn (piano), Arnie Krakowsky (tenor sax), Ken Reid (baritone sax), Rick Hammett (trumpet, flugelhorn), Jon Garniss (trombone), Mark Poniatowski (bass), and Kenny Hadley (drums). Each is a dedicated jazz artist bringing superlative instrumental, interpretive, and ensemble skills to the group as well as a wealth of performance experience in the theatre, classical, and commercial music genres. All octet members are professional jazz educators and several hold positions currently at leading institutions. Brunch begins at 11:45 a.m., with music beginning at noon.

Closing out the month at THE BLACK BOX is Franklin Performing Arts Company’s staging of the classic comedy You Can’t Take It With You. Set in the summer of 1938 in New York City, the play introduces audiences to the freethinking Sycamore family and the mishaps and mayhem that ensue when their daughter's fiancé brings his conservative, straight-laced parents to dinner on the wrong night. Written by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman, You Can’t Take It with You won the 1937 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and the screen adaptation won the Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Director.

For tickets and more information visit www.theblackboxonline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370.

Monday, December 10, 2018

THE BLACK BOX Presents a Holiday Jazz Brunch Featuring the Music of A Charlie Brown Christmas

BLACK BOX Jazz presents A Holiday Jazz Brunch featuring music from A Charlie Brown Christmas on Sunday, December 16 at noon. For many, Christmas is not complete until they have watched Linus explain the true meaning of the holiday to Charlie Brown at the holiday pageant.

As recognizable as these beloved characters are, a few notes from pianist Vince Guaraldi's jazz soundtrack are enough to bring the spirit of the season back to any Peanuts fan. Mark Poniatowski (Bass), Kenny Hadley (Percussion) and Joe Mulholland (Piano) are joined by the Franklin Performing Arts Company Youth Ensemble and special guest April Hall for an afternoon of Holiday Cheer.

April Hall
April Hall
Jazz vocalist April Hall combines her deep roots in southern gospel and blues with an urban soulfulness and jazz sophistication. Her voice, described as “glorious” by the Boston Globe, is an instrument of astonishing beauty and versatility, capable of ranging from the purest whisper to the most powerful soul-drenched delivery. But her masterful performances are always centered on bringing every song to life through emotional interpretation, playful phrasing, and rock solid rhythm.

Hall graduated from Berklee College of Music, where she received the prestigious Louis Armstrong Performance Award. She has done projects for Atlantic Records under the direction of Arif Mardin, for the likes of Chaka Khan, Melissa Manchester, and Bette Midler and has performed with artists such as Rosemary Clooney, Al Jarreau, Jim Ed Brown, Helen Cornelius, and Dinah Shore.

Kenny Hadley (drums) has played European and South American tours, as well as performances with Van Morrison, Dizzy Gillespie, the Count Basie Orchestra, Peter Wolf, The Drifters, Rebecca Paris, the North Shore Music Theater, and Franklin School for the Performing Arts. His acclaimed Kenny Hadley Big Band has shared the stage with the Count Basie Orchestra, Dizzy Gillespie’s Band, and The Duke Ellington Orchestra.

Mark Poniatowski (bass) is a New England based bassist and arranger. Playing both the electric and acoustic bass, Poniatowski’s performance highlights with Sid Caesar, Floyd Dixon, Janiva Magness, Rita Moreno, Bob Newhart, and Junior Watson, The Nutcracker with the Franklin Performing Arts Company; the Manchester Jazz and Blues Festival with the Toni Lynn Washington Band; the Boston Blues Festival with Joe Bargar and the Soul Providers; The Music of Gershwin And Porter with Rebecca Parris and the Kenny Hadley Big Band; Eric in the Evening, WGBH radio on-air performance with Alexis Tsiganov; and the Boston Globe Jazz Festival with the Bruce Katz Band.

Joe Mulholland (piano) an accomplished pianist, recording artist, composer, and teacher, he has released three CDs of original music written for his sextet, and has composed numerous electronic scores for Boston-area dance companies, including a tango suite commissioned by the Northeast Youth Ballet that was performed in Massachusetts and New Jersey. Mulholland performs with his trio 100 nights per year at the Top of the Hub, an upscale jazz venue in Boston, in addition to appearing as a sideman and vocal accompanist in numerous other concert and club settings.

Come enjoy the spirit of the holiday, as Acme Jazz performs holiday standards followed by a set of favorites from the 1965 TV special. Brunch begins at 11:30 a.m., with music beginning at noon. Tickets are available at www.theblackboxonline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370.

Sunday, November 4, 2018

THE BLACK BOX: Big Band Brunch - Nov 11

THE BLACK BOX, downtown Franklin's theater, music, and event venue, presents a Big Band Brunch with the renowned Kenny Hadley Big Band Sunday, November 11. Brunch begins at 11:30 a.m., with music beginning at noon.

The critically acclaimed 16-piece ensemble, led by drummer Kenny Hadley, boasts masterful musicians with performance ties to Big Band legends Woody Herman, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich and more. Hadley was 14 when he first heard Buddy Rich's band play live. He caught Duke Ellington at The Boston Globe Jazz Festival and saw Basie, Kenton and Ferguson, among the greats, at the tail end of that era. Forming his own band at 23, Hadley has grown that ensemble to showcase a distinguished rotation of some 45 or 50 players. Now more than 30 years later, the Kenny Hadley Big Band continues to wow audiences and keep the Big Band tradition alive.

Tickets are $20 for the show alone; combination tickets for brunch and music are $45. 

THE BLACK BOX, home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), is located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. 

For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

THE BLACK BOX: Big Band Brunch - Nov 11
THE BLACK BOX: Big Band Brunch - Nov 11

Thursday, April 5, 2018

Kenny Hadley Big Band - Apr 8 at THE BLACK BOX

THE BLACK BOX, downtown Franklin’s theater, music, and event venue, presents a Big Band Brunch with the renowned Kenny Hadley Big Band this Sunday, April 8. Brunch begins at 11:30 AM, with music beginning at noon. The critically acclaimed 16-piece ensemble, led by drummer Kenny Hadley, boasts masterful musicians with performance ties to Big Band legends Woody Herman, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich and more. 

Hadley was 14 when he first heard Buddy Rich’s band play live. He caught Duke Ellington at The Boston Globe Jazz Festival and saw Basie, Kenton and Ferguson, among the greats, at the tail end of that era. Forming his own band at 23, Hadley has grown that ensemble to showcase a distinguished rotation of some 45 or 50 players. Now more than 30 years later, the Kenny Hadley Big Band continues to wow audiences and keep the Big Band tradition alive.

Tickets are $20 for the show alone; combination tickets for brunch and music are $45. THE BLACK BOX, home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), is located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. 

For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370. Dean Bank is the event sponsor.


Big Band Brunch: Kenny Hadley Big Band - Apr 8
Big Band Brunch: Kenny Hadley Big Band - Apr 8

Saturday, December 9, 2017

Celebrate the Season With a Holiday Jazz Brunch at THE BLACK BOX

BLACK BOX Jazz presents a holiday jazz brunch featuring guitarist Mark White, bassist Mark Poniatowski, pianist Joe Mulholland, drummer Kenny Hadley and friends on Sunday, December 17 at 12:00 noon. Celebrate the season with holiday music favorites while enjoying a light continental brunch. A suburban hub for great music and the home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin.

Mark White has performed with the Empire Brass Quintet, George Russell, Gil Evans and Anthony Braxton, as well as the Boston Pops under Keith Lockhart, New England Ragtime Ensemble under Gunther Schuller, and Boston Musica Viva under Richard Pitman. A Professor of Guitar at Berklee College of Music, he has taught over 50 clinics for Berklee in Ecuador, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Columbia, Germany, Italy, Japan and Korea. White has played many theatre engagements with touring Broadway companies and has recorded for Blue Note, King, MMC Records and Heineken Jazz Festival.

Kenny Hadley has performed with Van Morrison, Dizzy Gillespie, Peter Wolf, The Drifters and Rebecca Parris. His renowned Kenny Hadley Big Band has shared the stage with the Count Basie Orchestra and the Duke Ellington Orchestra and has hosted guest soloists including Clark Terry and Louie Bellson. The band’s acclaimed recordings include Come Sunday, A Beautiful Friendship and Common Thread.

An Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music, Joe Mullholland is an accomplished pianist, recording artist and composer. He has released three CDs of original music written for his sextet, and he has composed numerous electronic scores for Boston-area dance companies. Mulholland performs regularly as a jazz pianist and vocal accompanist at the Regattabar, Ryles, Scullers, and at the Waterfront Jazz Festival, among others. He previously taught jazz piano and ensembles for more than a decade at Brown University.

Mark Poniatowski is an Associate Professor in Contemporary Writing and Production at Berklee College of Music. His extensive performing experience includes the Manchester Jazz and Blues Festival with the Toni Lynn Washington Band and the Boston Blues Festival with Joe Bargar and the Soul Providers, as well as with Sid Caesar, Floyd Dixon, Rita Moreno and Junior Watson. Poniatowski’s recordings include Mississippi Moan with the Bruce Katz Band, More Than Live with Janiva Magness, The George Carlin Show soundtrack, Room for Two with April Hall, and a self-titled CD, The Mark Poniatowski Situation.

Show tickets are $20; an optional continental brunch is available for $15. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

Celebrate the Season With a Holiday Jazz Brunch  at THE BLACK BOX
Celebrate the Season With a Holiday Jazz Brunch  at THE BLACK BOX

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Big Band Brunch with Kenny Hadley Big Band on Sunday, November 13

THE BLACK BOX, downtown Franklin’s theater, music, and event venue, presents a Big Band Brunch with the renowned Kenny Hadley Big Band on Sunday, November 13. 

The critically-acclaimed 16-piece ensemble, led by drummer Kenny Hadley, boasts masterful musicians with performance ties to Big Band legends Woody Herman, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich and more. The Kenny Hadley Big Band has shared the stage with such notables as the Count Basie Orchestra and the Duke Ellington Orchestra and has hosted guest soloists including Clark Terry and Louie Bellson. 

Combination tickets for brunch and music are $45; tickets for the concert alone are $20. THE BLACK BOX, home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), is located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. Brunch begins at 11:30 a.m., with music beginning at noon. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

 
Kenny Hadley Big Band on Sunday, November 13
Kenny Hadley Big Band on Sunday, November 13

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Kenny Hadley's BIg Band at THE BLACK BOX - Jazz Brunch - March 6

Drummer Kenny Hadley is Franklin Performing Arts Company’s go-to guy for live music. The company, now celebrating a milestone 25th anniversary, showcases professional musicians for all mainstage productions and presents an ambitious schedule of music series events at THE BLACK BOX, FPAC’s new home and performance venue. Hadley’s relationship with FPAC goes back to 1995 when the drummer played the debut production of ’Tis the Season!, FPAC’s original holiday musical.

The company’s orchestra contractor since the mid-2000s, Hadley now hires for six FPAC productions annually. At THE BLACK BOX this season, Hadley has played performances ranging from The Addams Family musical and Cabaret Series dates to a reunion gig with the R and B band Soul Kitchen and a Jazz Series presentation with his own critically acclaimed Kenny Hadley Big Band.

“I’ve met so many people over the years – guys that play all the theaters downtown and tour with major acts,” says Hadley, of the musicians he brings to Franklin. “They get what we’re trying to do at THE BLACK BOX. It’s good work with a good vibe – very cool, very hip. The level of musicianship is really high so they know that when they come down here they’re going to be playing with a really great band.”

THE BLACK BOX grew out of an office building in the heart of downtown Franklin. The project blew out the facility’s second floor to create a two-story, flexible space with 360-degree catwalk. When Tony Award winner Beth Leavel headlined the venue’s grand opening celebration in September 2014, Hadley recalls being thrilled with the acoustics.

“It’s a unique, great-sounding room,” notes Hadley. “I’ve since played it in so many configurations – in every corner of the building, top and bottom, and in different genres and situations. The clarity is amazing. It has a live quality, like you get in a good concert hall but with a different shape and size. A lot of places try to manufacture that, but this has it naturally.”

FPAC received a $220,000 grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund (MCFF) in 2015 to support capital improvements at THE BLACK BOX, including sound and lighting systems, second-floor accessibility and a marquee. The award, the largest granted by the MCFF to a MetroWest arts organization during that funding cycle, affirmed the venue’s potential for transformative and cultural impact in the region.

“I think it’s a gem at a time when live music venues are falling by the wayside,” notes Hadley. “This place has come out and accomplished so much in so short a time. And we just keep tweaking to make it better and better.”

The inaugural season at THE BLACK BOX doubled FPAC’s production schedule and launched Jazz, Cabaret, Children’s, Local Artists, New England Artists, and Summer Concert Series, establishing the venue as a suburban hub for great music. This second year has already welcomed a new Classical Series, which opened in November with violinist Irina Fainkichen and pianist Irina Kotlyar.

Kenny Hadley's Big Band at THE BLACK BOX
Kenny Hadley's BIg Band at THE BLACK BOX

Hadley sees only positives in FPAC’s commitment to live music as a defining element of company productions and as a key focus in the venue’s programming. “THE BLACK BOX was a game changer in terms of opportunity,” he says. “Things were swingin’ before THE BLACK BOX, but this kicks it up a notch in terms of what we can do.”

Youth development in the arts is another core component of FPAC’s mission, and Hadley views THE BLACK BOX as influential to students’ growth as artists and audience members. “You can learn so much and find inspiration,” he says about hearing live music. “What better way to get them excited about this stuff.”

Hadley was 14 when he first heard Buddy Rich’s band play live at Lennie’s-on-the-Turnpike in Peabody. He caught Duke Ellington at The Boston Globe Jazz Festival. “It was the tail end of that era. I saw Basie ten, fifteen times. I saw Kenton, Maynard.” Hadley formed his own big band at 23 and has grown that 16-piece juggernaut to showcase a renowned rotation of some 45 or 50 players – masterful musicians with performance ties to Big Band legends Woody Herman, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich and more. The Kenny Hadley Big Band will headline a jazz brunch at THE BLACK BOX on Sunday, March 6 at 11:30 a.m.

For tickets to the Kenny Hadley Big Band Brunch or for more information about FPAC’s season and other presented events at THE BLACK BOX, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

Friday, February 27, 2015

Big Band Brunch - March 1 - THE BLACK BOX Theater



Come Join Us This Sunday
Big Band Brunch - Sunday, March 1 - THE BLACK BOX Theater
Big Band Brunch - Sunday, March 1 - THE BLACK BOX Theater


Franklin Performing Arts Company uses Vendini for ticketing, marketing, and box office management.

Franklin Performing Arts Company - PO Box 16, Franklin, MA, 02038, (508) 528-8668
Vendini, Inc. - 660 Market Street, San Francisco, CA, 94104, 1 (800) 901-7173

View as a web page.